Man Lab Series 3

[TheDaisy]

Apr 1, 2013 12:49:55 GMT ladylurker said:

Not very fond of the latest version of the Man Lab theme, though.

Nor was I, although I did quite enjoy the sitar version at the end ;D

I felt that there was a bit too much of Rory, personally. No offence to the guy, but he seems to spend a lot of time pulling silly faces. Having said that, I almost wet myself laughing over the 'papa smurf du pape' - I shall have to watch myself to make sure I don't ever say that at any point in the future

I'm not convinced about the memory technique - for me, I think it would only work if I was in the same place, able to walk the route and get the visual reminders from it. I suspect that my mind would go mushy once I'd moved from the hotel garden and into another place, but if it worked for James, I won't argue with him.

And I WANT one of those bike rooms projector set ups! how cool was that? I actually went a tad dizzy when James was 'on the rollercoaster' - I don't like heights, so that showed me, at any rate, how realistic it was.

[lindenchase]

Apr 2, 2013 6:52:22 GMT TheDaisy said:

I'm not convinced about the memory technique - for me, I think it would only work if I was in the same place, able to walk the route and get the visual reminders from it. I suspect that my mind would go mushy once I'd moved from the hotel garden and into another place, but if it worked for James, I won't argue with him.

Funnily enough, I took part in a mind mapping workshop a few weeks back and we were taught this very same technique. It works! We had to memorize 20 words in the exact order. Took a few minutes. Easy as pie. If you wake me up in five years time and give me a number between 1 and 20, I will tell you the right word.

[bob]

Looking at this years grand national people I immediately recognised weird al!

I thought episode 2 was also good, although the lack of lightening catching was disappointing.

[amie8]

Thought this week's was a bit scrappy, but they probably knew that themselves. That's why it was episode 2, where they always put the slightly iffy shows.

I've mislaid the link, but it's the bun throwing next week

[jmsquared]

Agree about ep 2 being a bit hot and cold. Could have done without the soap thing totally.

[adrianmay]

Apr 6, 2013 0:40:36 GMT amie8 said:

Thought this week's was a bit scrappy, but they probably knew that themselves. That's why it was episode 2, where they always put the slightly iffy shows.

I've mislaid the link, but it's the bun throwing next week

Is that true? Interesting. What are the first and last of a season? If it's an 8 show season, what is the over all trend? Is it a big opener and then a build to the end? See, you've got me thinking now.

Umm, I hate to say this after being so enthusiastic about last week’s show but, that could have been better. I really hate to give a criticism without a suggestion for improvement, but I’m not sure what exactly was wrong. It had the usual elements of an inventive project, a science type experiment and a group outing. As a matter of fact, they did 5 different things which is more than most episodes. Don’t know…it just fell flat. Could it be a matter of pacing? I’m a firm believer that any story or anecdote can be interesting or amusing if well told. Is there such a thing as visual syntax and timing? A few people last week mentioned that episode 1 seemed to fly by and it did. This week, it kind of dragged.

I did really like the very ambitious attempt at capturing lightening. I hope they get to give it a go again.

Favorite split second…



That was quite a summer picnic outfit ;D
Edit: Wait, is that his French peasant hat from Wine Adventures?

[jmsquared]

Hehehehe. When that appeared, I immediately had to rewind and pause. Couldn't quite believe it at first. Could well be the WA hat. Might have to rewatch that, just to be sure.

Significantly, OH fell asleep during this ep, whereas he was riveted to epi 1. Hmmmmmmm. Something was not right, as you say AM.

[Wyvern]

I thought I enjoyed this week's more than last week's, but looking at this thread and realising how muchI don't remember, I fear I may have slept through some of it. Oops. Sorry James!

[crumbs]

Funnily enough, Mr Crumbs made the comment (and I agreed), that it's strange a programme like this does as well as it does. Making soap, playing scissors rock paper, shooting rockets up (I like that generally) in fields with no response from the elements - well, it's very very low key.

I didn't enjoy this week as much either, it just lacked some major ingredient to me. I don't want to sound too critical - it's kind of jolly, almost sweet in way but it just didn't float my boat.

I watched a documentary on Bach by John Eliot Gardner this week - I wish James would get into that sort of thing. After all, Jeremy has done a couple of excellent serious documentaries. Come on James!

[amie8]

Is that true? Interesting. What are the first and last of a season? If it's an 8 show season, what is the over all trend? Is it a big opener and then a build to the end? See, you've got me thinking now.

Top Gear certainly do it. Big opener, then weak bits stuck into episode 2, where no-one will complain about a poor start to the series and will also think "oh well, still time for it to improve".

Let's hope, anyway.

As for the hat, his Wine Adventure hat was full of holes and so was Oz's, for reasons which I never really understood.

[ladylurker]

It is a bit low key. After all, James has stated their ambition to be the first TV show ever to actually watch paint dry. ;D

This wasn't one of the best Man Lab episodes, in my opinion, but I still liked it. It kept me reasonably entertained (and frequently giggling) throughout, without any big high- or low points standing out.

[Wyvern]

The thing I've noticed about Top Gear, certainly since Series 11, is that episode 2 is usually a 'car-heavy' episode (to the extent that they've actually apologised for it more than once!). But it's certainly where they put the episode they feel has less general silliness and perhaps as a result less popular appeal.

I still liked what I remember of this episode of Manlab better than the week before

[ladylurker]

"Fun" fact: While I haven't seen this episode yet, I have seen a couple of screencaps. And not only do I know what that pale-green-and-gray camera-like thing mounted on a tripod is (a surveyors station), I also took one glance at it and knew it was a Leica. And I'm not even a surveyor. I'm a secretary.

[amie8]

Theodolite!

I thought it was a return to form this week. It was properly entertaining and I and laughed out loud a few times. Loved the Beer Hunter, although I remember Mythbusters testing the Monty Hall conundrum a while back and they did explain the mathematical theory behind it. Trouble is, I'm garbage at numbers and didn't understand it then or now. Interesting, though.

[Wyvern]

Much better! James and Simmy making stuff, testing stuff and raising a giggle for most of the episode, with junior Manlabbers (Boylabbers?) taking the stage for a bit of light relief. The balance felt right, and I did laugh out loud several times. Thoroughly enjoyed it - and didn't fall asleep either.

It must have been good, because today has actually been pretty traumatic, but I'm reflecting on Manlab with a grin on my face.

[melly]

I haven't seen it yet. I'm always too tired to watch tv :s

[jacqui]

I am going into hibernation now, why couldn't Radio Manlab be on last week when I was out of the country

By the way James, what is my prize for being Radio Manlab Battleship champion

It was the best lunch hour at work I have ever had mind you - thank you

[dit]

Now that Jacqui's 'come out', as it were, about Radio Man Lab, perhaps I'd better do the same myself, as anyone involved can talk about it now the programme's been on.

I'd volunteered to be on the programme and was phoned a few days before to ask if I was still willing. Erm....yes? I chatted to the guy who said I might be asked to take part in a game or I could ask a lonely hearts question. When I spoke to him again later he told me I would be playing the 'guess who I am' game, and I said that was a shame, as I'd thought up a good one for lonely hearts. When I told him he laughed and said he would tell his producer.

When I saw the programme tonight the first thing I recognised was Jacqui's voice. She must have had a lovely time chatting to James; at one point I definitely heard her throaty giggle! When there was a shot of James with a Post-it note on his head that was my game, but my input wasn't used on the programme. The taxi driver who was briefly heard was in fact the person recorded just after me; my phone was left live for about five minutes after my input so I heard all his conversation with James over the phone.

I assumed that my bit had been cut and accepted that would have happened to a lot of people, but then suddenly James was reading out a lonely hearts question and to my complete surprise it was the one I'd told the researcher about earlier. It was a tongue-in-cheek one about whether to get a new man or a new cat, and mentioned my elderly lady-cat Mollie. You could have knocked me down with the proverbial feather!

It was good to talk with James, no matter how briefly, and I enjoyed the conversation, even though that part wasn't used.

[eshalda]

You lucky ladies. That was my favourite episode so far.

[jmsquared]

Oh my gosh! I never read this thread until after I've seen the show, for obvious reasons. Watched it last night, and now I'll have to watch it again, and again! Must admit I did think of you Jacqui when he said Jane, but thought, Nah, we'd have heard about THAT! What a good secret keeper you are! And Dit, you sly dog! Lucky, lucky ladies.

As for the actual episode, afraid it didn't really float my boat, although I did love seeing James Snr again, and the digresssion to the dousing was interesting. Need the junk mail sorter as well.

[jacqui]

We were sworn to secrecy Jm2 ;D

It was recorded back in September last year, so keeping quiet for that long was (for me anyway) very hard! Dan, the producer called me Jane, as per my email address ('tis my given name after all!) and I didn't get round to mentioning my "other" name to him. Dan is a lovely guy too, really chatty and quick to put you at ease!

It was great talking to James and for such a long time too, 45 mins I was very very lucky. We had a quite a few exchanges whilst records (jeez how old am I!?) were being played, of which he let me choose a few. He asked at the end if I though Radio Battleships worked - I had to say no!!!

I cannot think of better way to spend my lunch hour than speaking to James over the phone, sheer bliss!

Will have to buy the DVD now for posterity. ;D


I haven't watched the week before yet as I was away but I thought this weeks was ok. I love it when James does things with his Dad, who is a real sweetie I so wanted him to find his ring! I loved how James asked his dad for '99' and his dad's reply was "what have you done to deserve one" - classic - Nice one dad. ;D ;D ;D

[dit]

Yes, it was all very official, we had to sign release and privacy forms and everything!

Perhaps I should explain the 'Guess who I am'/Post-it game. James had written the name of a person from history on a post-it stuck to his forehead and I had to guess with Yes/No answers but he said if I got one wrong I was out. I protested a bit but we got going. I asked "Are you male" and he said No, to which I said "Oh rats!" as I assumed that meant I was out. He must have felt guilty as he admitted I was the first to play the game so he decided to give me three Nos before I would be out as he said otherwise it would be too ruthless.

When it got to the third I said "So this is my last question?" to which he replied "Well it will be if you get it wrong." so I decided to go for broke and said "Queen Elizabeth I". There was a momentary silence, then he said, "How did you do that?" Of course, I said "What?" and he said, "I've got Queen Elizabeth II on my forehead. How did you....can I ask....how did you make that leap from the two questions you asked to getting Queen Elizabeth?" I replied, "Just a leap of faith, I suppose," and then I was finished.

So it was fun, even though that wasn't actually used in the programme.

I wonder if anyone else on the JMB was also recorded for the programme, but perhaps hasn't liked to say anything yet?


Also: If anyone is interested in how the technical side was set up, this link is pretty detailed without being too complicated.

www.wiredbroadcast.com/downloads/James%20Mays%20Canal%20Trip%20RSL.pdf

[ladylurker]

I'm a bit envious, honestly. Closest I've been to him was at Top Gear Live. He did pass back and forth not 5 meters from me, but didn't even look in my direction.

Probably just as well I never had your luck, though, I would probably babble something incomprehensible and make a total clot of myself. ;D This way, at least my dignity is intact.

[jacqui]

Apr 21, 2013 20:14:03 GMT ladylurker said:

I'm a bit envious, honestly. Closest I've been to him was at Top Gear Live. He did pass back and forth not 5 meters from me, but didn't even look in my direction.

Probably just as well I never had your luck, though, I would probably babble something incomprehensible and make a total clot of myself. ;D This way, at least my dignity is intact.

I lost all my dignity the first time I met him and we had a conversation about condoms ;D Since then - it's a doddle!!!! ;D ;D ;D

[dit]

Apr 22, 2013 15:39:30 GMT jacqui said:

I lost all my dignity the first time I met him and we had a conversation about condoms ;D

We can depend on Jacqui to keep things tasteful, can't we? One question I have to ask though - who was quicker off the mark to raise (*sn1gger*) the subject, James or yourself? And are you sure it was only your dignity you lost?


(Only teasing, of course - I hope you realise that!)


Still, it gives me chance to post one of my favourite cartoons.

[jacqui]

A lady never tells ;D

Love the cartoon ;D ;D

[FizzyLogician]

You ladies have me very intrigued but very confused, in part because I live in the culturally deprived USA where we won't get ML3 for decades, probably. So what exactly have you two done and appeared in?

[Vivienne]

Aren't you on graboid anymore? I thought it was on Monday's bbca.

[liverbird]

Apr 22, 2013 21:26:42 GMT FizzyLogician said:

You ladies have me very intrigued but very confused, in part because I live in the culturally deprived USA where we won't get ML3 for decades, probably. So what exactly have you two done and appeared in?

They are Man Lab Totty...

[FizzyLogician]

Not on Graboid anymore, and BBCA is only showing ML2. LB's concise explanation has only left me more confused, even after resorting to the UD for enlightenment as to "Totty." A sad case, I know.